Chapter 24

Sienna felt nervous as she spoke. She needed a job, and this opportunity had appeared unexpectedly. Without hesitation, she plunged in.

“Is that for real?” Kevin looked at her, uncertain.

Sienna nodded quickly. “Yes, I can’t fake dancing skills, can I?”

Time was short, and Kevin glanced at his watch. “Alright, you’ve got thirty minutes. You need to learn a new dance for the shoot. Any problems with that?”

“No problem. I just need to go through it twice, and I’ll be ready,” Sienna said confidently.

Kevin chuckled, suspecting overconfidence. “Alright then, let’s see what you’ve got. If you can’t get it in two tries, you’re done.”

“Got it,” Sienna replied, focused.

“Follow me,” Kevin said, guiding her to the dancers. “Here she is, folks. Run through the routine twice for her. Afterward, I’ll see how she does.”

“Okay, Mr. Sullivan.” The group, composed of temporary dancers, began. After only one practice, Sienna was ready.

The dance was simple—a basic group routine. For a TV background gig, Sienna’s dancing was more than sufficient. Kevin observed; after two rounds, he clapped and cheered, “Great! You danced really well. You’re in.”

“Thank you, Mr. Sullivan,” Sienna smiled.

Kevin clapped his hands. “Get her dressed and made up. We’re about to start filming.” He then rushed off to update the director.

Once Sienna was ready, filming began. Everything went smoothly, but issues with the lead actor necessitated several repetitions of the dance.

After filming, the production assistant paid the stand-in dancers.

“Thank you,” Sienna said, smiling as she happily accepted her payment—$300. Her eyes lit up; it was more than she expected.

“Once you’ve got your pay, you’re free to go,” the assistant said. The rest of the shoot wouldn’t require them.

Sienna pocketed the cash, feeling pleased with her extra earnings. But as she was leaving, someone called out. She turned to see Kevin rushing toward her. “Mr. Sullivan?”

“Thank goodness I caught you,” Kevin said, slightly breathless.

Sienna was confused. “Is there something you need?”

“Yeah,” Kevin paused to catch his breath, then smiled. “I think your dancing was really impressive.”

“Thanks, you’re too kind,” Sienna replied with a soft smile.

“Here’s the deal,” Kevin said, pulling out his phone. “Let’s swap contacts on WhatsApp. We often need dance stand-ins, and you have the look and skills we’re looking for. I’ll recommend you whenever there’s an opening.”

Sienna was surprised. The idea of being a dance stand-in hadn’t occurred to her.

Noticing her hesitation, Kevin added, “The pay for stand-ins is much higher than what you made today. So, what do you say? Interested?”

Sienna’s hesitation vanished. “Yes, thank you so much! Just so you know, I work evenings, so I’m available during the day,” she said, producing her phone.

Kevin scanned her code and added her on WhatsApp. “No problem. I’ll reach out when the timing is right, and you can come in.”

“That’s fantastic!” Sienna beamed. She was surprised at how easily she’d found this part-time gig. She felt like Jeiacrity was her lucky place.

Growing up in Jeiacrity, Sienna was determined to make it her home. She’d been away for what felt like forever, but now, nothing could drive her away.

Because she earned an extra $300, Sienna treated herself to a burger and fries. As she set the food on the table, the delicious smell made her mouth water.

Just as she began to eat, her phone rang. Seeing Josiah’s name, she suppressed a groan and answered, “Hello? What’s up? Ready for the courthouse?”

“Is that all you ever think about?” Josiah’s sarcastic reply held annoyance. “Sienna, you’re not just rude, you’re also ungrateful.”

Sienna was puzzled.

“Tomorrow!” Josiah’s frustration increased as she remained silent. “Grandma’s surgery is tomorrow.”

Sienna understood but wouldn’t accept blame. “Is it really tomorrow? Alright, I’ll be there early. And don’t accuse me of being ungrateful—you didn’t tell me about Miranda’s surgery being tomorrow.”

“Sienna Shaw!” Josiah was exasperated. He missed the Sienna who used to cling to him.

Before he could criticize further, Sienna said, “Is there anything else? If not, I’m hanging up.”

“Wait.” Josiah gritted his teeth. “Where are you staying? I’ll pick you up in the morning, and we’ll go together.”

“No need. I can manage on my own,” Sienna said firmly.

Josiah was unhappy. “I’m not debating this. We’re going to Grandma’s together tomorrow—that’s what you promised me.”

Sienna sighed. “Fine, let’s go together then.”

“Where do you live?” Josiah asked.

Sienna couldn't let Josiah pick her up at her home. “Meet me at Lyceum Street,” she decided.

“Okay.” Josiah hung up, thinking, Lyceum Street? The impoverished part of town? What a hassle.

The next morning, Sienna left early and arrived at eight o’clock. Josiah’s car was already parked there. Zaid stepped out and opened the car door for her, indicating the back seat where Josiah sat. “Ms. Shaw, please get in.”

“Thanks, but I’m feeling a bit carsick. I’ll sit in the front instead,” Sienna smiled, opening the front passenger door.

Zaid chuckled awkwardly and got back in.

Josiah fixed a serious gaze on Sienna. Is she deliberately avoiding me? he thought with a smirk.

The roads were clear, and they reached the nursing home before eight-thirty. They headed straight for the surgical building. As they entered, they bumped into Yvette and Janet in the elevator lobby.

Yvette smiled and waved. “Hey, Josiah.” Her gaze shifted to Sienna. “Sienna, you’re here too.”

Josiah nodded. “Aren’t you supposed to be working today? Why did you come here? You could have come after your shift.”

“How could I do that?” Yvette rolled her eyes playfully. “Miranda is family too. Is work more important than family?” Josiah didn’t press it. He gestured to her foot. “Still hurting?”

“Just a little, but it’s no big deal now,” Yvette smiled.

The elevator arrived. Josiah held the door, letting Yvette and Janet enter first. Then he turned to Sienna. “Come on in.”